Alli Salutes Alaafin Owoade I at 51, Gifting New Car to Brave Rescued Principal as Monarch Rallies Support for Freed Schoolchildren

The political and traditional leadership of Oyo State has united in celebration as the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, marks his 51st birthday milestone, drawing widespread praise for his progressive and community-centered leadership.

Leading the frontline tributes, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, released a personally signed congratulatory address in Ibadan. Alli, who represents Oyo Central senatorial district, described the premier traditional ruler as an invaluable anchor of Yoruba heritage, praising his humility, wisdom, and deep dedication to fostering peace and socio-economic stability across the region since his historic coronation.

The royal milestone comes at a time of deep emotional relief across Oyo State, unfolding just as the community celebrates the safe return of the Oriire school abductees. Demonstrating a hands-on approach to leadership, the monarch recently visited the freed pupils and teachers at the Odogbo Military Cantonment in Ojoo, where they were undergoing medical and psychological evaluation. Praising the Nigerian Armed Forces for their precision intelligence operations, the Alaafin provided immediate financial grants to the victims’ households to cushion the burden of their recovery.

Inspired by the palace’s active benevolence, Senator Sharafadeen Alli took a massive step to support the survivors by targeting the woman who kept the children alive in the jungle. The lawmaker presented a brand-new car to the school principal, Mrs. Richie Alamu. During the initial assault by terrorists, Mrs. Alamu’s personal car was used by the gang to transport the captives before being completely set ablaze at the forest edge. Throughout their 56 days in captivity, she braved constant threats and beatings to shield her students.

“On behalf of my family and supporters across Oyo State, I heartily congratulate Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I on his birthday,” Senator Sharafadeen Alli shared. “Since ascending the revered throne of his forebears as the 46th Alaafin, he has demonstrated an exceptional sense of responsibility and an inclusive leadership style that has earned public admiration. His reign has already brought tremendous pride and communal harmony to our people. May Almighty God grant him long life, enduring strength, and the continuous wisdom to guide the Oyo Kingdom into a prosperous new era.”

The grand celebration highlights the remarkable trajectory of the monarch’s reign. Succeeding the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the mechanical engineering graduate and UK-trained scholar formally took the reins of the ancient empire. His early tenure has already been defined by massive structural transformations, most notably the extensive restoration and successful relocation into the historic Oke Afin palace complex, which was transformed into a living museum of Yoruba civilization.

As cultural associations, political groups, and market leaders flood the ancient town of Oyo to pay their respects, residents are expressing deep pride in the new era. By blending centuries-old traditional authority with active philanthropy and strategic partnerships with elected leaders, the modern Alaafin is proving that the crown remains a powerful tool for driving grassroots development and protecting the vulnerable.